A creamy peppery beef gravy served over egg noodles

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1/3 cup flour
3 1/4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more, depending on your preference -- we like lots!!)
salt, to taste
12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions*

1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain and return to pan.

2. Stir flour into meat mixture. Cook and stir until flour is no longer white. Gradually add milk, stirring briskly.

3. Add salt and pepper. Continue to cook and stir until gravy bubbles and thickens. Serve over hot noodles.

*You can substitute mashed potatoes, rice, toasted bread, or whatever starch you prefer.

This is my last-minute, out-of-inspiration, no-groceries, no-menu-plan, no-time meal saver! It's quick to make, cheap to make (especially if you have some meat in the freezer from the last sale), and we love the taste.

Last time I made this, Joshua said, "You know, this is really a good meal. You should put it on your website." So, here it is! It's nothing fancy, but it has saved my day more than once. My rating: 10/10.